Box Tree Moth
Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis)
An invasive moth native to eastern Asia and first documented in 2019 in North America
Caterpillars damage boxwood plants (Buxus spp.) by chewing on leaves, leading to leaf browning,
defoliation, as well as eating bark, and potentially plant death.
Adult moths do not cause damage.
Caterpillars have black head and green to yellowish body in color and black spots.
Adult Moths have brown head and abdomen while having white wings with a thick brown border spanning wings. Some adults can have brown wings with small white specks.
How Can I treat it?
BT/Thuricide
Organic Bio-pesticide that specifically targets caterpillars. Most effective early season against newly hatched pests.
Spinosad
Active ingredient in insecticidal soap. Kills on contact. More effective on larger caterpillars compared to thuricide
